MADRID, Sept. 9 -- Some 62 percent of Spaniards consider it likely that they will buy an electric vehicle (EV) in the next five years, although 70 percent say the main barrier is the high cost, according to a survey released on Monday.

In addition to the high price, lack of chargers in public places and low range of batteries are other obstacles mentioned, according to the survey carried out by Electra, a French firm.

It also concludes that the main reasons for buying an electric car include fuel cost savings and sustainability.

The survey comes amid a downward trend in sales of electric and plug-in hybrid passenger cars in the country, which saw total sales between January and August amount to 69,833 units, down 1.74 percent on the previous year, according to industry data.

  - Xinhua